Alarm



C. L. FLAGG Sept, 22, 1931.

ALARM 2 Sheets-'Sheet l Filed Jan.

Sept. 22, 1931. C, FLAG@ 1,824,473

ALARM Filed Jan. 26,` 1926 2- Sheets-Sheet 2 @li/are nce 1770?? Patented Sept. 22, 1931 a iur oFFiE* CLARENCE L. FLAGG, or arnanrrc, MASSACHUSETTS, Assiettes To BANKERS ELEC- TRIO PROTECTIVE .ASSOCIATIBL OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS, A CORPORATION QF MASSACHUSETTS ALARM Application filed January 26, 1926. Serial No. 83,830.

This invention pertains to alarms and more particularly to acoustically sensitive indicators adapted to respond to sound vibra.- tions.

Such indicators, while useful for various purposes, are especially desirable in connection with alarm systems for vaults, safes or the like, as in such environment the indicator is adapted tolrespond to the sound vibrations which are almost necessarily produced by the operation of tools or other implements or agents employed byburglars or others surreptitiously attempting to gain entrance to theinterior of the guarded structure. l Y l' I-Ieretofore attempts have been made to devise acoustically responsiveY signals or alarms but as far as I am aware none of these prior devices have proven successful from the practical standpoint. In most such devices a sound sensitive diaphragm is employed as the controlling agency and the deflection of this diaphragm from its normal or neutral position by the impact of sound waves f has heen relied upon directly to close or open the Valarm circuit and thereby to actuate the signal. Since the deiiection of such adiaphragm in response to faint sounds is exceedingly small it was necessary in such prior devices to adjust the contact elements with extreme nicety in order to assure certainty of operation and thus the gap at the contacts became so small that'even slight oxidation of the metal, the accumulation of dust particles, or `other minor matters often make the alarm entirely inoperative or at least result in erratic' operation.

While it is possible that some at least of the above defects might be overcome by superior construction or the use of eXp-edients -mown to the electrical designer the usual alarm of this type has a more seriousand fundamental defect, 'to wit: if sufficiently sensitive to respond at all, Vit responds to the first sound of the requisite intensity and thus actuates the alarm even though such sound be entirely accidental and unrepeated. These prior devices thus respond Ato such sounds as may be occasioned by the passage of a vehiclein the street, the dropping of a.

heavy object in the vicinity of a vault, the slamming of a door,etc., and thus produce a needless sounding of the alarm to the great annoyance ofv all concerned. For this reason more perhaps than any other this type of Yalarm has been llooked upon with disfavor. 'f Now the tools, implements or other agents available for use in attempting surreptitious entry into the vault'or safe all necessarily produce more or less prolongedfseries of vibrations or repetitions or pulsations-of sound. rlhus the blows of a hammer, the grinding vibration of a'rotary drill, the `hissing of the acetlyene torch, and the singing of an electrical arc all produce sounds of vibrating or pulsating character and in accordance with my present invention I have taken advantage of this fact and so construct my alarm that while sensitively responsive to vibrations or sound pulsations which are repeated or continuedfor a substantial length of time, it will not respond to a fortuitous soundv of short duration. or which is not many times repeated.Y

In the accompanying drawings in `which one preferred embodiment of my invention is illustrated as applied to a vault alarm system by' way of example,

Fig. l lis a vertical section through the improved alarm device, certain portions being brolren away; f Y f F ig..2 is a section substantially on thefline 2-2of Fig. l; y

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary 'sectionftolarger scale on the line 3-3 of Fig. l; n y

Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the electrical connections employed in kthe operationof the alarm device; l

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary section on line 5-*5 of Fig. 2;*and y Fig 6'is a fragmentary elevation illustrating a modification.

:Referring to the drawings the numeral l designates a suitable case or housing of any desired material and which may be provided with attaching means (not shown) for securing it inV desired position. Preferably this casing is of generally cylindrical form and one of its end wallslQ is provided with a central aperture 3 which is covered by a plate 4. This plate 4 may be of any suitable material. An annular spacer ring 5 engages the outer surface of the plate 4 and forms a bearing for the outer edge of a sound responsive diaphragm 6. This diaphragm may be of thin steel or other material appropriate for the purpose. A cover member 7 clamps the margin of the .diaphragm against the ring 5, the several parts being held in assembledrelationship by means of screws or bolts 8. rlhe cover member 7 is preferably furnished with a tubular neck 7 a to which may be attached a receiving trumpet 9. If desircd this trumpet may be omitted as well as the neck 7a of the cover, the latter being provided merely with a central opening for the admission of sound waves to the diaphragm.

A frame 10, preferably of Usshape is attached by means of screws 11 and 12 to the inner surface of the plate 4 or may if desired form an integral part of the plate 4. A solenoid 13 or equivalent electromagnetic device is mounted upon the frame 10, such solenoid having a core 14 which supports a switch actuator 15, preferably attached to the lower end of the core 14 by means of a pivot pin 16.

This actuator 15 is preferably formed of sheet material and is quite thin and light in weight. ln a preferred form of the actu.- ator its front and rear edges converge downwardly toward one another. For example, the forwardredge 17 maynormally be substantially vertical while the rear edge 18v is downwardly and `forwardly inclined. The actuator is thus of substantially wedge shape.

A bar 19 is iixedly secured to the diaphragm G at substantially'the central point of the latter and this bar projectsrearwardly and is provided with a clutch jaw 20 (Fig.

3).` This jaw as herein disclosed is' preferably furnished with a vertical slot for thereceptionof the front margin of the actuator 15. This slot is preferably somewhat wider than the thickness'of the actuator so that only the' edge face of the actuator bears against the surface ofthe jaw 20, the engagement ofthe parts beingrfrictional only.

A second bar 22 is disposed in axial alignnient with the bar 19 and is provided with a jaw 23 preferably similar to the jaw 20, the jaw 23 having-a vertical slot for thereception ofthe rear margin of the actuator 15. The bar 22 forms the core'ofa solenoid 21 suitably mounted upon the frame 10 and the end of the bar `22 normally projects rearwardly beyond the rear end ofthe solenoid as indicated at 220.

AV bracket 2,4 is attached to the plate 4,y by means of screws- 25. This bracket carries a post 26 upon which is pivoted a brake lever 27 adapted to swing in a vertical plane intersecting the projecting end 220 of therbar j Preferably the brake lever 27 is provided with an adjustable weight to permit its braking action upon the part 220 to be varied. As herein disclosed the free end of the lever 27 is screw threaded at 28 and the adjustable weight consists of a nut 29 engaging this screw threaded portion of the lever. Normally this lever bears frictionally against the end portion 220 of the bar 22 and to an adjustable degree opposes the rearward sliding movement of the bar.

A switch supporting bracket 30 is secured to the plate 4 and carries a block 31 of insulating material supporting a pair of spring lingers 32 and 33 in spaced relation. These lingers carry electrical contact elements 34 and 35 constituting the circuit closing and breaking elements of an electrical switch. The arm 32 is extended beyond the arm 33 and carries an anvil member 36 which is disposed directly below the lower end of the switch actuator 15 so that if the switch actuator drops it engages the anvil and by its weight tienes the vlinger 32 downwardly, thus separating the contact members of the switch. Preferably the frame 10 carries a. stop element 38 disposed immediately below the anvil 36 to limit downward movement of the latter.

. An insulating block 24 connected by screws 25a to the bracket 24, carries four binding posts 39, 40, 41 and 42 respectively. One pole of a battery 43 (Fig. 4) or other dependable source of electrical energy is preferably connected by a conductor 44 to one terminal of a relay device comprising a magnet or magnets 60. The other terminal of the relay device is connected by a conductor 45 tothe binding post- 41. A conductor 47 connected to the other pole of the battery 43 leads to the magnet 58 of a reset switch hercafter described, and thence to the binding post 40. From the binding post 41 a conductor 48 leads to the switch finger 32 and from the switch finger 33a conductor 49 leads to the binding postv 42. A conductor 50 leads from the binding post 39 to one terminal. of the solenoid 13 and from the other terminal of this solenoid a conductor 50@ leads to one terminal of the solenoid 21.' The opposite terminal of this solenoid is connected by a conductor 51 to the binding post 40.

From the binding post 42 a conductor 52 leads to the conductor 47 while from the binding post 39. a conductor 53 leads to one contact 54 of thernormally opcn resetting switch.

VThe other Contact 55 of this switch is connected` by a conductor 56 to the conductor 44 above described.' lVhile the switch may be designedfor manual operation I may arrange to have it closed automatically. Thus for example the Contact 55 of the switch may be tacts 54 and 55 will engage and close a circuit through solenoid 13 and 21. The relay` device comprising the magnet or magnets 60 is furnished with a movable armatureY 61 which is normally disposed as shown in full lines in Fig. 4 (when the relay magnets are energized but which is swung by means of a spring 62 into the dotted line position of Fig. 4when the relay magnets are de-energized.

One end 63 of a pivoted latch lever engages the end of the armature 61 when the latter is in normal position as shown in Fig. 4. A weight 64 upon the other end of the latch lever 63 swings the latch lever in a clockwise direction when the armature disengages the lever. Vhen the latch lever 63 swings as just described under the action of weight 64, a lug 65 carried by the latch lever engages a resiliently supported contact 66 and forces the later into engagement with a complementary Contact 67. The contacts 66 and 67 are supported upon an insulating base and form the terminals of an electrical circuit receiving energy from any suitable source, and which includes a signal device Y68 of any suitable type, here shown as a lamp.

Vhen the latch 63 has been disengaged by the armature 61 and has therebyclosed the circuit through the signaling device, the circuit remains closed indefinitely even though the relay magnets may be re-energized and until the latch and armature 61 are reset manually.- 1

In Fig. 6 a 'slight modification is illustrated. In this figure the actuator 15a has front and rear edges 17a'and 18EL and as in the preferred construction the aligned bars 19a and 22a are provided with opposed jaws engaging the margins of the actuator but in this instance the edge 17a of the actuator is provided with fine teeth (the size of these teeth is very greatly exaggerated in the drawing) and the j aw carried by the member 19SL 'is provided with a tooth 20a for engagement with the teeth on the edge of the actuator.

' The operation of the device is substantially as follows, it being assumed that the parts are inthe position indicated in Fig. 1 and that the switch comprising the contacts 54 and is open. When sound waves enter the rtrur'npet 9 and impinge upon the diaphragm 6, the latter is vibrated and at its first inward movement positively pushes the bar 19 against the actuator and the latter, swinging about its pivot, transmits all of this motion to the bar 22, thus pushing the latter back to an amount substantially equal to the amplitude of the vibration of the diaphragm.V As the diaphragm now moves in the opposite direction through its neutral position its jaw l2O recedes slightly from the edge 17 of the actuator, and since the brake lever 27 tends to retain the bar 22 in its new position, the actuator 15, being unsupported, is free to into more or less continuous vibration and at each oscillation of the diaphragm the actuator as above described moves down a slight distance. If the sound be prolonged or repeated ak suiicient number of times the actuator will eventually .drop to a-point where its weight must be sustained by the anvil 36. The spring finger 32 fieXes downwardly when the actuator vengages it, thus opening the switch between the points 34 and 35. The opening of the switch between the points 34 and 35 breaks the circuit normally maintained through the relay magnets thus permitting the spring 62 to swing the armature 61 to the dotted line position, releasing the latch 63 and thereby closing the circuit through the lamp 68, vthus giving notice of the occurrence of repeated sounds in or near the vault. Y

' Since the device is thus sensitively responsive to operate thealarm only by the summation of a series of responses it is not liable to give a false alarm by reason of a single fortuitous noise occurring in the vicinity of the protected structure. Y

After the sounding of the alarm or as often as may be desired the actuator 15 and the bar 2Q may be reset to normal position by closing the switch comprising the contacts 54 and 55 thereby energizing the solenoids 13 and 21 and retracting the core member 14 and the bar 2Q which constitutes the core of the solenoid 21. f

' In the device shown in Fig. 6 friction is not depended upon entirely for retaining the actuator vin its normal position and thus the device may not be as sensitive as that of Fig. 1. Under some circumstances this less sensitive construction may be desirable although ordinarily the arrangement of Fig. 1 is preferred.

While as herein shown the switch, comprising the fingers 32 and 33 and the contacts carried thereby, is a closed circuit switch, it is obvious that an open circuit switch migh just as readily be employed and that in such case the depression of the anvil 36 would close the circuit instead of opening it as in the present illustration. Y

Vhile the arrangement herein disclosed is desirable for the purpose and constitutes a preferred embodiment of the invention, I contemplate that the underlying principle of operation might readily be embodied in other speciiic constructions and arrangements of parts and also that various modiications in `from the spirit of the invention.

vand variations in lproportions and relative disposition of the parts of the device as herein disclosed may Le made without departing Furthermore, although a Ydiaphragm has been rcerred to as 'the element which responds to the vibrations and thus releases the actuator, it is obvious that-equivalent elements, for eX- ample reeds, resonators, etc., might under certain circumstances be employed. For eX- ample, a vessel having a small delivery opening and containing balls, a suitable fluid, or thelilre. may be jarred or tapped by the movement of the diaphragm, thus causing the balls or drops of the fluid to fall one by one into a receptacle adapted to move under a predetermined weight of accumulated balls or drops of fluid and thus to actuate the switch.

I claim: Y f l l. A deviceof the olas. described for use in an electrical signal'system having a circuit Vcontrolling switch, said device comprising a vertically sliding switch actuator, a switch actna'ble thereby, riction'clntch means tending to retain the actuator in an'uppe1 inoperative position, and a sound responsive ciaphragm means connecting said diaphragm to the. friction clutch means, said diaphragm -s'i-isponding to sound vibrations and at each such response momentarily relaxing the grip ot the friction clutch means upon the actuator thereby permitting the latter to move do wnwardly a short` distance.

2. A device of the lclass described 'for use in an electrical signal system having a circuit controlling switch, said device comprising a vertically sliding switch actuator normally out of engagement withV the switch, a llutch compri sin g opposed j a ws engggaging?` said actuator between them for normally retaining the latter in inop rative position out of engagement with the switch, and -a sound responsive diaphragm lmeans connecting said diaphragm to one oit said clutch jaws, said diaphragm responding to sound vibrations and at each such response momentarily retracting the j aw connected thereto to permit the actuator to slide down a short distance.

`3. A device of the class described for use in an electrical signal system having a circuit controlling switch, said device compris-ing a vertically sliding switch actuator, normally spaced lfrom the switch actuating position, and means causing said actuator to slide vertically into engagement with and to operate said 4switch which means include clutch means normally retaining said actuator against vertically sliding movement, a'sound `responsive diaphragm` and means connectin said diaphragm and clutch means, whereby uponthe occurrence oi each sound exceeding a ,predetermined` intensity said clutch means release said actuator and permit said actuator to `move a short distance toward the switch actuating position.

sition, a sound responsive diaphragm and means connecting said diaphragm to said other-jaw.

5. A device of the class described for use in an electrical signal system having a circuit controlling switch including a movable member by which the circuit' is controlled, said device comprising a vertically sliding actuator normally out of engagement with said switch imember, and means causing said actuator toengage and move said switch member which mea-ns include :a friction clutch normally retainingl said actuator against moven'ient, said clutch comprising opposed aws, friction means opposingfree movement oi one of said jaws, a sound responsive diaphragm andy means connecting the other jaw to said diaphragm.

6. A device of the class describedfor use inan electrical signal system having a circuit controlling switch including a movable member by which the circuit is controlled, said device comprising a vertically sliding a-ctuatornormally out' of engagement with said switch me1nber,-and means causing said actuator to engage and move said switch member which mea-ns includea' friction clutch normally retaining said actua Aor against movement, said clutch comprising aligned axially movable barsprovided with griijiping jaws at their opposed ends, a guide for one of, said bars, means yoffering adj-ustable resistance to free movement of said bar in said guide, a sound responsive diaphragm and means connecting said diaphragm to the other bar.

7.- A device of the class described for u inv an electrical signal system having a circuit cont-rolling switch including -a movable member by which the circuit is controlled, said device Vco1n] 3risi1ig a vertically sliding actuator normally out of engagement 4with said switch member, and means `cai-ising said actuator to engage and move said switch member which means include a clutch normally retaining said actuator out of engagement with'said switch member, said clutch comprising aligned bars provided with actuator engaging members at their opposed ends, means for supporting -one of said bars 'Inn and permitting its axial movement toward and from the other bar, a friction brake opposing the axial movement of said rst named bar, and a sound responsivev diaphragm supporting the other bar.

8. A device of the class described for use in an electrical sienal system having a circuit Controlling switch including a. movable member by which the circuit is controlled, said device comprising Va vertically sliding actuator normally out ot engagement with said switch member,` and means causing said actuator to engagefand move said switch member which means include a clutch normally retaining said actuator out of engagement with said vswitch member, said clutch comprising aligned bars provided with actuator engaging members at their opposed ends, means for supporting one of said oars and permitting` its axial movement t0- ward and from the other bar, an ai'm swinging in a plane intersecting that of the first named bar and normally resting thereon to offer frictional resistance to its movement, a sound responsive diaphragm, and means connecting said diaphragm to said other bar.

9. A device of the class described for use in an electrical signal system havinga circuit controlling switch including a movable member by which the circuit is controlled, said device comprising a vertically sliding actuator normally out of engagementlwith said switch member and means causing said actuator to engage and move said switch member which means include a clutch normally retaining said actuator out of engagement with said switch member, said clutch comprising aligned bars provided with actuator engaging members at their opposed ends, means for supporting one of said bars and permitting its axial movement toward and 'from the other bar, an arm swinging in a plane intersecting that of the iirst named bar and normally resting thereon to lofi'er .frictional resistance to its movementa weight mounted on said arm and adjustable toward and from the fulcrum of said arm, a sound responsive diaphragm and means connecting said diaphragm to said other bar.

l0. A device of the class described for use in an electrical signal system having a circuit controlling switch including a 'movable member by which t-lie circuit is controlled, said device comprising a movable actuator normally out-of engagement with saidl switch member, and means moving said actuator into operative engagement with said switch member, which means include a clutch'no'rmally retaining` said actuator out of engagement with said'switchmember, said clutch comprising aligned bars provided with actuator engaging members at their opposed ends, means for supporting one of said bars and permitting an axial sliding movement thereof toward and from the-other bar, a sound responsive diaphragm and means connecting said diaphragm to said other bar.

ll. A device of the class described for use in an electrical signal system having a circuit controlling switch, said device comprising an actuator for said switch normally in the inoperative position, V`a sound sensitive diaphragm, means transmitting vibrations from said diaphragm to said actuator, and, by a summation of said vibrations, permitting said actuator to operate said switch and electromagnetic means for restoring the actuator to its inoperative position after the actuation of said switch.

l2. A device of the class described for'use in an electrical signal system having a circuit controlling switch, said device comprising an actuator for said switch normally in the inoperative position, a sound sensitive diapliragm means receiving vibrations from said diaphragm and permitting said actuator to move step by step from the inoperative position to the switch operating vposition and manually controllable means for restoring said actuator to an inoperative position.

18. A device of the class described for use in an electrical signal system having a circuit controlling switch including a movable member by which the circuit is controlled,

said device comprising a vertically sliding switch actuator normally disposed .in elevated inoperative position, a diaphragm responsive to sounds and flexed thereby, means governed by the flexing of said diaphragm, said means permitting said actuator to move downwardly step by step into operative position and means for restoring said actuator to normal position.

14. A device of the class described for use in an electrical signal system having a circuit controlling switch including a movable member by which the circuit is controlled, said device comprising a vertically sliding switch actuatorV normally disposed in elevated inoperative position, a diaphragm responsive to sounds and iieXed thereby, means governed by the flexing of said diaphragm, said means permitting said actuator to move downwardly step by step into operative position and a solenoid having a core connected to said actuator for raising the latter to normal position, l v

15. A device of the class described for use in an electrical signal system having a circuit controlling switch including a movable member bywhich said circuit is controlled, said device' comprising an actuator and means causing said actuator to engage and `move said switch member, which means include mechanism normally retaining the actuator in inoperative position out of engagement with said switch member, said mechanism comprising opposed relatively movable clutch elements, a s olenoid having .a core, means connecting said core to said lOO iic

actuator, a second solenoid, means connecting lsaid solenoid'to one of said clutch elements, Va sound responsive diaphragm, and means connectingV said diaphragm to the othery clutch element, the vibration of said diaphragm in response to sound waves acting through said mechanism to cause said actuator to movestep by step toward the switch member, and means for closingan electrical circuit through the windings'of said solenoid.

716'.; A device of the class described `foruse in an electrical signal system having a circuit'controlling switch including a movable member by which said circuit is controlled, saidldevice comprising` van actuator, the opposite edges of which converge downwardly, al clutch' Vhaving opposed relatively movable jaws engaging said opposite edges of said actuator,4 a sound responsive diaphragm, and means connecting, said diaphragm to one of said jaws.

17. Adevice ofthe classdescribed for use in an.electrical'signalsystem having a circuit controllingswitch including a movable memberby whichl saidcircuit is controlled, said'device comprising. anV actuator, one edge of said actuator"beingsubstantially vertical andthe opposite `edge beinginclined downu wardly and converging toward the vertical face, a soundresponsive diaphragm, a clutch jaw engaging the vertical edge ofY said actuator, nieaiisrconnecting,said j aw to said diaphragm, and another clutch jaw engagingthe inclined edgeoflsaid actuator, said jaw being slidable inal substantially'horizontal direction.. y Y

181l A device of the Vclass described 'for use in an electric signal system having'a cii'cuit controlling switch including a movable mein- V ber by which the circuit'is controlled, means for: controllinotthe` o erationxo'f'said mov- C able member including a.inovable'actuating member normally out of 'engagement vwith'Y said switch member but biased for move*- ment toward said'member, and a clutch nor'- mally retainin-gsaid:actuator against nii-oveinent comprising opposed jaws, friction means opposing :tree movement offone ot said jaws, a sound responsive diaphragm, and means connecting the other jaw to saiLVA diaphragm. Y

19. Av levice of the class described for use in an electrical signal system having a circuit controlling switch,.saiddevice comprising a sliding switch actuator, normally spaced from the switch actuating position and means permitting said actuator to slide into engage- Y ment with .and to operate said switch which means include clutch means normally retainsV ing saidlactuator against sliding movement, a-sound'responsive diaphragm, and means connecting said diaphragm and clutch means, whereby upon the occurrence of each sound exceeding a predetermined intensity said clutch means release saidactuator'and permits said actuator to move ashort distance toward the switch actuating. position.

20. Adevice `otthe class described orfuse in an'electrical signal system having a cir-Y cuit controlling switch including a movable member by which'the circuit is controlled, said device comprising. an actuator normally out oten'gagement with saidiswitch member, but having a tendency to move into engagement therewith, and means causing said actuator to engage and move saidA switch member, which means includev a clutch normally retaining, said actuator 'against` movement into engagement with said switch member said clutch comprising oppositely movable spaced jaws gripping said actuator, means opposing free movement oi' one of saidjaws from operative position, a sound responsive diaphragm and means connect ing said Vdiaphragm to said other aw, whereby the oscillation of the diaphragm under the impact of sou-nd waves causes the diaphragm connected jaw to reciprocate, the movement of that jaw toward the other jaw operating through the actuator to retract saidother jaw thereby increasing the spacei between the jaws and permitting the actuator to advance toward the switch member.

21. A deviceV of the class described for use in an electrical signal system having a circuit coiitrolling switch including-a movable member by which the circuit is controlled, said device comprising an yactuator normally outot engagement with said switch member but having a tendency to move into engagement therewith, and means permitting said actuator. to respond to such' tendency andtoengage and move said switch memb'er which means include a friction clutch normally retaining saidv actuator against movement, said clutchcomprising spaced opposed jaws gripping the actuator, friction meansopposing free movement-of one oi'said jaws a sound responsive diaphragm and means connecting the other jaw to said diaphragm whereby the oscillation of the diaphragm under the impact of'sound waves causes the diaphragm connected jaw to reciprocate, the `movement of that aw toward the other jaw operating through-the actuator to retract said othe-rrj aw therebyA increasing the space vbetween the j aws4 and-permitting the actuator to advance toward i the switch member;

22. A device ofthe class described for use in an electrical signal'system having `a circuit controlling switch including a movable member by which theY circuit is controlled, said'device comprising an actuator norm-ally out'of engagement with said 'switch member, buthaving a tendency to move into engagement therewith, and meanspermitting said actuator to respond to such tendency aud to engage and move said switch member which means include a friction clutch normally revas plii'agm, and means connecting taining said actuator against movement, said clutch comprising Aspaced4 aligned axially 'movable bars provided with gripping jaws rying the actuator against the axially sliding bar and retracting it, thus increasing the spaceL between the bars so that the actuator may advance toward the switch member.

23. A device ot the class described tor use in an electrical signal system having a circuit controlling switch including a movable member by which the circuitis controlled, said device comprising an actuator normally out ot engagement with said switch member and having` .a tendency to move into engage'- ment therewith, and meansv permitting said actuator to respond to such tendency and to engageand move said switch member which meansinclude clutch normally retaining said actuator out of engagement with said switch member, said clutch comprising spaced aligned bars provided with actuator en gaging members at their opposed ends, means for supporting one ot said bars and permitting its axi al movement toward and trom the other bar` a friction brake opposing` the axial movement or' said first named bar, and a sound resjgionsive diaphragm supporting the other bar whereby the oscillation ot the diaphragm under the impact of sound waves causes the diaphragm connected bar to reciprocate carrying the actuator against the axially sliding bar and retract-ing it, thus increasing the space between the bars so that the actuator may advance toward the. switch member.

2li. A device of the class described forruse in an electrical signal system having a circuit controlling switch including a movable member .by which the circuit is controlled, said device comprising an actuator normally out ot engagement with said switch member, and having a tendency to move into engagement therewith, and means permitting said actuator to respond to such tendency and to engage and .iove said switch member which means include a clutch normally retaining said actuator out ot engagement witlirsaid switch member, said clutch comprising spaced aligned bars provided with actuator engagin g members at their opposed ends, means tor supporting one oia said bars and permitting its axial movement toward and from the other thatfot trie iii-st named bar and normally resting thereon to oiizerpfrictional resistance to its movement` a sound responsive diasaid diaphragm to said other bar whereby the oscillation of the diaphragm under the impact of sound waves causes the diaphragm connected bar to reciprocate carrying the actuator against the axially sliding bar and retracting it, thus increasing the space between the bars so that the actuator may advance toward the switch member.

25. A device of the class described for use in an electrical signal system having a circuit controlling switcli including a movable switch member by which the circuit is controlled, said device comprising a vertically sliding actuator normally out of engagement with said switch member and means causing saidactuator to engage and move said switch member which meansl include a clutch normally retaining said actuator out of engagement with said switch member, said clutch vcomprising spaced alinged bars provided with actuator engaging members at their opposed ende, means for supporting one of said bars andpermitting its axial movement toward and from the other bar, an arm swinging in a plane intersecting that of the first named bar and normally resting thereon to oiier trictional resistance to its movement, a weight mounted on said arm and adjustable toward and from the tulcrum of said arm, a sound responsive diaphragm and means connecting said diaphragm toV said other bar whereby the oscillation of the diaphragm under the impact of sound waves causes the diaphragm connected bar to reciprocate' carrying the actuator against the axially sliding bar and ietracting it, thus `increasing the space between the bars so that the actuator `may advance towai'd the switch member.

25. A device of the class described tor use in an electrical signal system having acircuit controlling switch including a movable switch member by which the circuit is controlled, said device comprising a movable sive diaphragm and means connecting said diaphragm to said other bar whereby the oscillation of the diaphragm under the impact of sound waves causes the diaphragm connected bar to reciprocate carrying the actuatoi against the `axially sliding bar and re tracting it, thus increasing the space between the bars so that the actuator may advance towardthe switch member.

27. A device-of the class described for use' Ythe inoperativeV position, a sound sensitive diaphragm, means holding said actuator in such inoperative position, which means receive vibrations from said diaphragm and thereupon reciprocate in response thereto releasing a-nd pe mitting said actuatorV to 4move step by step from the inoperative position to the switch operating position and manually controllable means or restoring` said actuator to an inoperative position,

28. A device ot the class described for use in .an electrical signal system having a circuit controlling switch, said device comprising an actuator ter 'said switch normally in inoperative position, a sound sensitive diaphragm, means transmitting'vibrations from .said diaphragm to said actuator, and, by a summation of said vibrations permitting said actuator'toadvance into the switch operating position.

29. Vault alarm apparatus including a circuit controlling switch, an actuator for the switch, said actuator tending to move from au inoperative to a switch actuating position, actuator restraining means, and a sound responsive f liaphragm shifting said restraining means in response to sound waves, whereby the restraining meansbecoming momentarily ineffective, during each vibrational movement of the diaphragm in one direction :trom its neutral position, and'permitthe actuator to advance toward the switch actuatingY position.

30. Vault alarm apparatus including a circuit control switch, an actuator for the switch, said actuator tending to move Jfrom an inoperative to a switch actuating position, actuator restraining means, and a vibratory sound .responsive device determining the operation of the restraining means by shitting therestraining means thereby permitting the actuator to advance toward switch operating position as the'sound responsive device vibrates in one direction and stopping said actuator as the sound responsive device vibrates in the opposite`direction.

3l. Vault alarm apparatus including a circuit controlling switch, an actuator for said switch, said actuator being` bodily movable along a. predetermined path and tending to move along said path from an inoperative to a switch actuating position, actuator restraining means comprising` an element and a vibratory sound responsive device which, when travelling-in one direction from its neutral position moves the restraining element transversely of said predetermined path to a new position, and, when travelling in theopposite direction, leaves said restraining element in its new position, thereby momentarily releasing the actuator to permit the latter to advance along said predetermined path toward the switch actuating position.

Vault alarm apparatus including a circuit controlling switch, an actuator for the switch, said actuator tending at all` times to advance from an inoperative to a switch actuating position, means acting upon said actuator to restrain it from making such advance, said means including a reciprocable element which normally bears directly upon the actuator, and a. sound responsive diaphragm adapted fto reciprocate said element in response to sound waves, the movement of said element in one direction releasing said actuatorand permitting it to advance.

33. Vault alarm apparatus including a circuit controlling switch, an actuator for the switch, said actuator tending at all times to advance from an inoperative to a switch actuating position, means acting .upon said vactuator to restrain it from Vmaking such advance, said means including a` -yleldable member, a reciprocable element which normally bearsl directly upon the actuator, and asound responsive diaphragm adapted to reciprocate said element in response to sound waves, the movement of said element inone direction releasing said actuator and permitting it to advance and in the other direction bearing upon said actuator and restraining it from making any advance.

34C. ln an alarm system, a vibration member responsive to sound or mechanical disturbances, an alarm means, an accumulator means controlled by said member io operate said alarm means after a predetermined number of either continuous or intermittent vibrations of said member.

35. Inan alarm system, a vibration member responsive to sound or mechanical disturbances, an alarm circuit including an alarai and a circuit closer, an accumulator means controlled by said vibration member to operate said circuitcloser alter a predetermined number ot' either con'iinuous or intermittent vibrations of sain member.

36. In an alarm system, a vibration member responsive to sound or mechanical disturbances, an alarm means, a normally open alarm circuit and means including an accumulator means controlled by said member for closing said circuit and operating said alarm after a predetermined number of either continuous or intermittent vibrations of said member.

37. In an alarm system, a vibration mem- 'ber responsive to sound or mechanical disturbances, an alarm means, a normally open alarm circuit and an accumulator means controlled by said member and including an eleof said advanced to the operating position by a plu.

rality of either continuous or intermittent vibrations of said member.

39. In an alarm system, a vibration member responsive to sound or mechanical disturbances, an alarm means, a normally open alarm circuit and an accumulator means controlled by said member and including an element movable by a plurality of continuous or intermittent vibrations of said member along a predetermined path in one direction tovvard a position in Which the circuit is closed and the alarm is operated and movable in another direction to x the distance the element must be moved by said vibrations before reaching said circuit closing position.

40. In an alarm system, a vibration member responsive to sound or mechanical disturbances, an alarm means, a normally open alarm circuit and an accumulator means controlled by said member and including an element movable by a plurality of continuous or intermittent vibrations of said member along a predetermined path in one direction tovvard a position in Which the circuit is closed and the alarm is operated and means for moving said element in the opposite direction to fix the distance the element must be moved by said vibrations before reaching the circuit closing position.

41. In an alarm system, an alarm, a normally open alarm circuit and electro-mechanical means for closing said ala-rm circuit and operating said alarm, said means including a vibration member responsive to sound or mechanical disturbances and an element movable by said member after a number of either continuous or intermittent vibrations thereof into a position in which said ,alarm circuit is closed. y

42. In an alarm system, an alarm, a normally open alarm circuit and means for closing said alarm circuit and operating said alarm, said means including a vibration member responsive to sound or mechanical disturbances and an element movable by said member after a number of either continuous or intermittent vibrations thereof into a position in which said alarm circuit is closed.

43. In an alarm system, an alarm, a normally inelfective alarm circuit and electromechanical means for rendering said alarm circuit eifective to operate the alarm, said means including a' vibration member responsivev to sound or mechanicaldisturbances and an element movable by said member after a number of either continuous orintermittent vibrations thereof into a position in Which said alarm circuit is rendered effective.

44. In an alarm system, an alarm, a normally ineifective alarm circuit and meansfor rendering said alarm circuit effective to operate the alarm, said means including a vibration member responsive to sound or mechanical disturbances and an element movable by said member after a number of either continuous or intermittent vibrations thereof, into a position in Which said alarm circuit is ren-y dered effective. y

45. In an alarm system, an alarmand electro-mechanical means for operating said alarm Vincluding a vibration member responsive to sound or mechanical disturbances and an element movable by said member after a number of either continuous or intermittent vibrations thereof into a position in Which said alarm is operated.

46. In an alarm .syst-em, an alarm, and

means for operating said alarm including a vibration member responsive to sound or mechanical disturbances and an element movable by said member after a number of either continuous or intermittent vibrations thereof into a position in which, said alarm is operated. Y

47 In an alarm system, an alarm, and electro-mechanical means for operating vsaid alarm including a vibration member responsive to soundror mechanical disturbances and an element controlled by said member to operate said alarm after a number of either continuous or intermittent vibrations thereof.

' 48. A device responsive to vibrations comprising an element normally tending to advance in a predetermined direction and means for controlling Isaid advance, comprising a pairV of members normally in contact'vvith said element to prevent such advance, the first of said members receiving vibrations directly andthe second member receiving'such vibrations from the rst member, and means opposing the free movement of the second member whereby-the second member advances in unison with the irst member in response to each vibration imparted thereto but is held against movement in the opposite direction so that the relation between the members is altered after each vibration and the element is free to advance into contact with both memv at the opposite side, the simultaneous contact of both members with said element preventing its advance, each vibration increasing the distance between said members whereby the element may advance until it again contacts with both members.

50. A device responsive to vibrations comprising an element normally tending to advance in a predetermined direction, one side of said element being tapered andl means for controlling said advance comprising a pair of spaced members adapted to contact with the element, one at the tapered side and the other at the opposite side, the simultaneous contact of both members with said element preventing its advance, one said member being advanced and retracted by'said vibrations, and the other member being advanced in unison therewith and means preventing the retraction of said other member whereby each vibration increases the distance between said members and the element may advance after each vibration until it again contacts with both members.

5l. A device responsive to vibrations comprising an element normally tending to advance in a predetermined direction and means for controlling said advance comprising a member in contact with one side of said element which member the vibrations cause to advance and retract and a second'member in contact with another side of said element, the simultaneous contact of the members preventing the advance of said element, and means preventing the Jfree movement of said i second member, said second member advancing in unison with said iirst member but being held against retracting by said means whereby after each vibration the distance between the members is increased and said element may advance until again in contact with said members. j

52. A device responsive to vibrations comprising a vertically sliding element tending at all times to descend, one side of said 'element being tapered and means for controlling the descent of the element, comprising a pair of horizontally spaced members adapted to contact with the element, one at the tapered side and the other at the opposite side, the simultaneous contact of both members with said elementV preventing its descent, and vibratoryY means with which one of said members-is at all times in contact and by which said vmember is caused to reciprocate advancing said element and said other member in unison therewith, and means for preventing said other member from retracting with said irs't member whereby the distance between said members is increased and said element descends until it again contacts with both members.

53. A device of the class described comprising a member movable in a predetermined plane, a brake resisting the free movement of said member, `an element movable ,in a predetermined plane at an angle to that of the member and having an inclined edge in contact therewith and means acting upon said element and causing it to move said member in one direction, the brake holding the member retracted, and said element moving in its predetermined direction to bring its inclined edge into contact with the retracted member.

54. A device of the class described comprising a horizontally movable member, a brake resisting the free movement of said member and means for moving the member inv one direction which means comprise an element normally movable in one direction in a plane at an angle to the plane of movement of the member and in contact therewith along one edge, Iand means acting intermittently upon the opposite edge of said element to cause it to move the member into a retracted position in which it is held by the brake.

55. A device oit' the class described comprising a horizontally movable member, a brake resisting the free movement of said member' and means for moving the member in one direction which means comprise an element normally 'movable in onerlirection in a plane at an an gie to the plane of movement of the member and in contact therewith along one edge and meansV acting intermittently upon the opposite edge ot said element to cause it to move the member in one direction into a retracted position in which it is held by the brake, the member contacting edge of said element being tapered so that as the member is retracted the element will advance in its normal direction until the tapered edge coacts once more with the member.

56. A device of the class described comprising a vertically sliding element and means permitting said element to move which means include a clutch engaging the opposite sides of and normally retaining said element against movement, said clutch comprising oppositely movable jaws gripping said element, means causing said jaws to move intermittently in one direction and means opposing the free movementot one of said vs, the other of said jaws returning to normal position after each intermittent movement whereby the distance between the jaws is increased at each intermittent movement, opening the clutch and permitting the element to descend until in contactwith both clutch jaws.

5". A device ot' the class-described comprising a vertically sliding element and means permitting said element to move, which vmeans include a Vclutch engaging the opposite sides of and normally retaining said element against movement, said clutch comprising oppositely movable jaws gripping said element, means causing said jaws to move intermittently in one direction and means opposing the free movement of `one ofsaid jaws, the other of said aws returning to normal position ratter each intermittent movement, the

side of the element in contact with one of said jaws being tapered whereby the distance between the jaws is increased at each intermittent movement and the element is free to descend until gripped by said jaws.

58. A device of the class described comprising an element normally movable in a predetermined direction and means preventing such movement of the element which means include a clutch engaging the opposite sides of and normally retaining said element against movement said clutch comprising oppositely movable jaws gripping said element, said jaws moving intermittently in response to vibrations applied to one jaw and means opposing the free movement of the other of said jaws, whereby the first returns to normal position after each intermittent movement while the other is held in the retracted position, so as to increase the dist-ance therebetween, the side of the element in contact with the other jaw being tapered, so that after each vibration the element may move in its predetermined direction until it contacts with both aws.

59. A device of the class described cornprising a vertically sliding and transversely movable element, and means preventing the descent of the element, said means including a bar, the end of which bears against one side of the element, a brake opposing the free movement of the bar, one end of said bar being in contact with one side of said element and means intermittently movable in response to vibrations causing the element to move transversely against the bar to retract it, said bar being held in the retracted position by the brake, and said element after each vibration descends into contact with theretracted bar.

60. A device of the class described comprising a vertically sliding and transversely movable element, and means preventing the descent of the element said means comprising a bar, the end of which bears against one side of the element, a brake opposing the free movement thereof, one end of said bar being in contact with one side of said element and means intermittently movable in response to vibrations causing the element to move transversely against the bar to retract it, said bar being held in the retracted position by the brake, said element being tapered at the side engaged by the end of the bar whereby after each retractive movement of said bar the element descends into contact therewith.

Signed by me at Boston, Massachusetts, this twenty-third day of January, 1926.

CLARENCE L. FLAGG, 

